BBFC

Film examiners fast forward to choice software

Tim concertinaed the process. We would not have met our deadline without him.

About the British Board of Film Classification

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) is an independent, non-government body, which classifies movies, videos and computer games. Classifications range between ‘U’ ( ‘Universal’) suitable for audiences aged 4 and over and ‘18’ meaning suitable only for adults. There is additionally a specific ‘R18’ category for adult sex works. Founded in 1912, the company is based in Soho, London, and employs about 80 people.

The brief

BBFC were looking to acquire a secure Web questionnaire tool capable of streaming video. They were operating within tight budgetary and time constraints. The project managers contacted Tim at meaning for advice on the range of commercially available tools.

The solution

meaning identified off-the-shelf solutions that provided the core of what the BBFC was seeking

meaning provided essential input and advanced advice on research methods, techniques, analysis options and the current landscape of commercially available tools

meaning captured and documented the project requirements in a comprehensive specifications list and operating model within an exceedingly short time frame

Tim Macer of meaning met with staff at BBFC twice to discover what functionality they needed in their online survey software. Within a few hours of this meeting, he prepared a point-by-point list of each feature required.

With his in-depth understanding of the market research software marketplace, Tim Macer identified off-the-shelf packages that would meet most of the BBFC’s needs. “Tim provided a thorough knowledge of the commercial alternatives. He also has a useful knowledge of research practices, which has helped clarify our final aims with the project,” commented Adeola Agbebiyi, Film and Video Examiner at BBFC.
Recognising that there was no need for the complete customised development of a questionnaire design tool was important, as it saved both time and money. The remaining specialised requirements were clarified and modelled as add-ons to standard software as Tim met with BBFC’s software developer and project managers.

Once meaning had helped clarify the project requirements and bespoke elements for the BBFC, he recommended a choice of two software options. The project managers evaluated demos of both options and selected one on the basis of cost, design, functionality and proximity to training and support locations. The BBFC was able to set up a series of meetings with this company almost immediately and complete the purchase of the relevant software package.

The results

An independent investigation and validation of the clients’ requirements, software identification and procurement were completed in only four weeks.

A solution was selected which fell comfortably within the budget and allowed future development.

“Tim concertinered the process. We would not have met our deadline without him,” said Heidi Renton, Film, Video and Games Examiner at BBFC. For Heidi and Adeola, it was crucial to move fast in order to meet accounting deadlines. Meaning’s input and speed of response was crucial. Adeola Agbebiyi concluded “Tim’s involvement was very important. We had very tight deadlines and he enabled us to make well-informed decisions in a short time.”